The scope and standpoint of Zechariah

Zechariah is more occupied than either of the other two
post-captivity prophets with the Gentile kingdoms under whose yoke the
Jews were placed, and with the establishment in its perfection of the
glorious system that was to accompany the presence of the Messiah;
and, on the other hand, with the rejection of that Messiah by the
remnant who had returned from captivity; with the state of misery and
unbelief in which the people would be left, and by which they would at
length be openly characterised; and, finally, with the last attacks of
the enemies of Jehovah upon Israel, and especially those directed
against Jerusalem. He announces the destruction of these enemies by
the judgment of God, and the glory and holiness of the people after
their deliverance by the arm of Jehovah, who should thenceforth reign
and be glorified in all the earth. It is the complete history of
Israel, and of the Gentiles in relationship with Israel, from the
captivity to the end, as far as connected with Jerusalem, the
restoration of which especially occupies the prophet. For if the house
was the primary object in Haggai, Jerusalem is the central point in
Zechariah; although in the course of the prophecy the temple, and
still more the Messiah, have the most prominent place in the scene.

The dates of the post-captivity prophets

The date of Zechariah's prophecy is nearly the same as that of the
prophecies of Haggai. There are two in Zechariah, besides that of the
introduction; in Haggai, four. The first date in Zechariah is only a
month or two before the last two in Haggai, which were given on the
same day. At the date of the second prophecy in Zechariah (chap. 7)
the temple was not finished as a whole, but sufficiently so to serve
as a place of worship, although the dedication had not yet been
celebrated.